Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glendale, CA (2024 Update)
- Glendale Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $20,332
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Glendale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Glendale, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Glendale is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,920 for a solar installation, or $9,896 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $34,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Glendale find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Glendale for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Glendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,610 |
| 3 years | $-2,988 |
| 5 years | $-367 |
| 7 years | $2,254 |
| 9 years | $4,876 |
| 11 years | $7,497 |
| 13 years | $10,119 |
| 15 years | $12,740 |
| 17 years | $15,361 |
| 19 years | $17,983 |
| 21 years | $20,604 |
| 23 years | $23,225 |
| 25 years | $25,847 |
Top Solar Installers in Glendale
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Glendale, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Glendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glendale
For many Glendale homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Glendale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Glendale, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Glendale homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Glendale, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $39,128 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $52,559 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $66,185 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $80,005 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $94,019 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $108,228 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $122,631 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $137,228 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Glendale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Glendale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glendale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Glendale?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Glendale, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Glendale?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Glendale?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.